Formula 1 postpones China race due to coronavirus

Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has won the Chinese Grand Prix a record six times, including the 2019 event. File Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI | License Photo

Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Formula 1 has postponed the Chinese Grand Prix due to concerns about the coronavirus, which has killed more than 1,100 people, mostly in China.

The event is the fourth race on the 2020 Formula 1 schedule. It had been set for April 19 at the Shanghai International Circuit in the Jiading District of Shanghai. Chinese Grand Prix promoter Juss Sports Group requested the postponement after discussions with the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People's Republic of China and Shanghai Administration of Sports.

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"As a result of continued health concerns and with the World Health Organization declaring the coronavirus as a global health emergency, the FIA and Formula 1 have taken these measures," the FIA and Formula 1 said in a statement.

The organizing parties for the event said they will study the "viability of potential alternative dates" for the race later in the year, should the situation improve.

"The Chinese Grand Prix has always been a very important part of the F1 calendar and the fans are always incredible," Formula 1 said in a statement. "We all look forward to racing in China as soon as possible and wish everyone in the country the best during this difficult time."

Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton won the 2019 Chinese Grand Prix. Hamilton has won the event a record six times. The 2020 Formula 1 circuit begins with the Australia Grand Prix March 15 in Melbourne. The second race is the Bahrain Grand Prix March 22 in Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. The third race is the Vietnam Grand Prix.